Mackenzie River Flood Crisis

Residents near Mackenzie River in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland have been urged to evacuate immediately due to severe flooding, as announced by the Central Highlands Regional Council on January 14, 2026. The flood, triggered by the aftermath of Ex Tropical Cyclone Koji, poses significant risks of dangerous riverine flooding which may surpass previous records.

According to the latest updates, localized flooding is already impacting low-lying areas around Mackenzie River. Authorities have strongly advised residents in these vulnerable zones to move to higher ground without delay to ensure their safety. Essential measures, including warning neighbors, securing belongings, and continuous monitoring of the situation, have been recommended.

For ongoing updates and more detailed information, residents are encouraged to listen to local radio stations and check the disaster dashboard available at beprepared.chrc.qld.gov.au. In life-threatening situations, individuals should contact emergency services by dialing Triple Zero (000). For non-emergency assistance related to storm damage or other similar issues, the State Emergency Service can be reached at 132 500. Further weather updates can be accessed through the Queensland Warnings Summary on the Bureau of Meteorology’s website.